Form EX343A UK: Complaint About a Judge Guide

What this document is

Form EX343A is the official complaint form used to report concerns about the personal conduct of a judge, magistrate, tribunal member, or coroner in England and Wales. It is administered by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, a body that operates independently to handle complaints against judicial office holders.

The form is intended specifically for matters of conduct: behaviour or language that was inappropriate, rudeness, falling asleep during a hearing, failing to fulfil judicial duties properly, or using racially or sexually offensive remarks. It is not a mechanism for challenging the outcome of a case.

Decisions made by a judge, whether on evidence, procedure, or the final ruling, can only be challenged through the appeals process or by applying for judicial review where appropriate. There are time limits for submitting a complaint, and the JCIO will normally only look at matters raised within a defined period after the conduct occurred.

You should check the current timeframe on gov.uk before submitting. The form can usually be completed and returned by post, email, or through an online form.

How to use this document

1. Confirm your concern is about conduct, not a decision. Before completing Form EX343A, be sure that what you want to raise relates to how the judge behaved rather than the ruling they made. If your issue is with the outcome of your case, the correct route is an appeal, and the JCIO will not be able to help. Examples of conduct the JCIO can consider include inappropriate language, rudeness, or failing to carry out judicial duties properly. 2. Gather the details you will need. Collect the judge's name, the court or tribunal where the incident occurred, the date, and the case reference if you have one. Write down a clear account of what happened and why you believe it amounts to misconduct. Stick to facts, dates, and specific behaviour rather than general frustration. If there were witnesses, note who they were, as this can support your complaint. 3. Obtain Form EX343A. The form is available from gov.uk and the JCIO's own pages. You can download it, complete it electronically, or print it and fill it in by hand. Read the accompanying guidance carefully, as it sets out what the JCIO can and cannot investigate, the current time limits for submitting a complaint, and how your information will be handled. 4. Complete and submit the form within the time limit. Fill in each section honestly and as concisely as you can manage. Attach any supporting material that helps explain the conduct you are raising. Send the completed form to the JCIO by the method set out in the guidance, which usually includes post and email options. Keep a copy for your own records, along with proof of when you sent it. 5. Wait for the JCIO's response. Once your complaint is received, the JCIO will assess whether it falls within its remit. If it does, an investigation may follow, which can take several months. You will be told the outcome in writing. Possible results range from the complaint being dismissed, through to formal advice, a warning, a reprimand, or, in the most serious cases, removal from office.

Common questions